Transcript courtesy of Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office
First published at The Well of PBC – July/August 2025
The opioid epidemic continues to cast a long shadow, but recent efforts in Palm Beach County and across Florida are showing promising signs of progress. A recent task force meeting highlighted significant decreases in opioid overdose deaths and emergency medical service responses, alongside ambitious plans for expanding treatment access and improving recovery support systems.
A Glimmer of Hope: Declining Overdose Rates
Palm Beach County is experiencing a notable downturn in opioid overdose fatalities. Between January 1st and July 9th, 2025, the county reported 57 total opioid overdose deaths, a stark contrast to 156 during the same period in 2024. This represents a 63% decline, a testament to intensified intervention strategies. Even when accounting for pending toxicology reports, the county anticipates a substantial 49% decrease from the previous year.
Similarly, Palm Beach County Fire Rescue data indicates a 25% decline in transports for suspected overdoses in the first six months of 2025 compared to last year. This positive trend is even more pronounced when looking back to 2017, the peak of the crisis, when there were 1,798 calls for suspected overdoses. Today, the number is 77% lower, signifying a remarkable shift in the local landscape of the opioid crisis.
Expanding the Reach of Recovery: FAR and Oxford House
Organizations like the Florida Association of Recovery Residences (FAR) and Oxford House are crucial pillars in the recovery infrastructure. FAR, which certifies recovery residences across the state, now boasts 272 providers and 9,741 beds statewide. Palm Beach County leads the way with 106 providers and 3,675 beds, making it the largest county in terms of certified recovery units. FAR is actively working to expand its presence on Florida’s west coast, aiming to reach 10,000 beds statewide in the coming months. The certification process has also been streamlined, with providers now able to achieve certification in 30 to 60 days if all legislative requirements are met.
Oxford House, a network of self-run, self-supported recovery homes, continues to grow, with 265 houses across Florida and 2,375 beds. These homes are vital, particularly for their low-barrier access to recovery, and notably, nearly 75% of Oxford Houses in Florida have at least one member utilizing medication-assisted treatment (MAT). This highlights a growing acceptance and integration of evidence-based practices within recovery housing. Oxford House is also expanding its outreach to rural communities and establishing subcommittees to better serve veterans, bilingual individuals, and parents with children.
The Core Network: A Coordinated System of Care
A major statewide initiative, the Community Opioid Recovery (CORE) Network, is expanding rapidly, aiming for statewide implementation in all 67 counties by fiscal year 2025-2026. The CORE Network is a coordinated system designed to connect individuals in crisis to comprehensive treatment and recovery support. It emphasizes a “no wrong door” approach, ensuring access through multiple pathways:
- Emergency Medical Services (EMS): Paramedics can initiate MAT on-site and provide warm handoffs to long-term treatment.
- Law Enforcement: Officers, often first responders in crisis situations, are being trained in crisis intervention to offer compassionate care and connect individuals to CORE resources.
- Emergency Rooms and Hospitals: These facilities are encouraged to initiate MAT immediately and facilitate seamless transitions to ongoing care.
- Recovery Community Organizations (RCOs) and Peers: Individuals with lived experience play a crucial role in building trust and guiding others through their recovery journey.
The CORE Network prioritizes low-barrier access to treatment, recognizing that not everyone requires inpatient care. The focus is on rapid stabilization and connecting individuals to long-term resources, including mental health services, housing assistance, and food support.
Incentivizing Progress and Addressing Challenges
To encourage continued progress, Florida is introducing performance-based incentives for CORE Networks. Counties demonstrating the highest population-adjusted percentage decrease in opioid-caused deaths can earn an additional $300,000. Furthermore, the top 10 performing CORE Networks will receive an extra $200,000. This innovative approach aims to reward effective strategies and foster competition among counties to improve outcomes.
Despite the positive trends, challenges remain. In 2023, Palm Beach County saw a 2.5% increase in opioid-caused deaths, indicating that the fight is far from over. There’s also a recognized need for continued education among medical professionals, particularly emergency physicians and hospitalists, to ensure consistent and appropriate MAT prescription. The integration of MAT into correctional institutions, as exemplified by the robust program in the Palm Beach County jail, is another crucial area for expansion.
Modernizing Zoning Laws for Recovery Residences
A significant legislative undertaking is underway to rewrite Florida Statute Chapter 419, which governs community residences. The current statute, considered archaic and in violation of federal Fair Housing Act and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) laws, has created hurdles for establishing much-needed recovery housing. The proposed rewrite aims to:
- Repeal discriminatory provisions: Eliminating arbitrary spacing requirements and definitions that unfairly target people with disabilities, including those with substance use disorder.
- Establish a uniform statewide standard: Providing clarity and consistency for zoning regulations across municipalities and counties, preventing costly lawsuits for local governments.
- Categorize residences by function, not size: Differentiating between “family community residences” (long-term, resembling a family unit) and “transitional community residences” (shorter-term, higher turnover), allowing for more appropriate zoning.
- Make FAR certification mandatory for permitted use: This critical measure would effectively weed out “scam artists” operating unregulated sober homes and ensure quality care.
- Address recovery communities: Providing clear guidelines for larger recovery facilities, ensuring appropriate spacing and licensing.
This legislative effort is a complex but vital step towards creating a more supportive and legally compliant environment for recovery residences, ultimately aiding in the broader fight against the opioid epidemic. The aim is to balance community integration with the operational needs of recovery programs, fostering an environment where individuals can truly heal and thrive.
The ongoing dedication of task force members, healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and recovery advocates in Palm Beach County and throughout Florida offers a beacon of hope. While the opioid crisis remains a formidable challenge, the coordinated efforts and innovative strategies discussed at the recent meeting suggest a future where recovery is more accessible and sustainable for all.